O.A.R.S. Launches “Livin’ the Dream” Contest

Veteran river outfitter and nature-based adventure travel company, O.A.R.S., has partnered up with outdoor industry leaders The Clymb, Northwest River Supply (NRS), and Teva for an online contest that gives contestants a chance to “live the dream” as a guide apprentice on an O.A.R.S. Grand Canyon rafting trip. The winner will be a bonafide member of the O.A.R.S. crew, helping load boats, spending time on the oars, helping prepare meals and mingling with clients.

To enter participants must sign up via a custom app on the O.A.R.S. Facebook Page.

The dream job:

“The winner just has to show up ready to pitch in and help and be awed by what the Canyon has to offer,” said Steve Markle, O.A.R.S. spokesperson. The 14- to 18-day trip will take the winner 280 miles through one of the Seven Wonders of the World, running legendary rapids and exploring hidden side canyons on one of the most popular adventure travel experiences on the planet. The winner will also receive a guide gear package that includes a personal flotation device, apparel and footwear provided by NRS and Teva.

Enter to win:

The contest runs July 15 through August 19. To enter participants must sign up via a custom app on the O.A.R.S. Facebook Page by submitting their name, email address, an adventurous photo of themselves and a short essay on why they’re the best candidate for the job. Between Aug. 25 and Sept. 8, the O.A.R.S. Facebook community will cast their vote for the winner from 10 finalists selected by O.A.R.S. staff.

In addition to the grand prize, one contestant per day will be selected at random to win a copy of the book, The Emerald Mile: The Epic Story of the Fastest Ride in History Though the Heart of the Grand Canyon, by Kevin Fedarko, and a weekly winner will be selected to receive a free pair of Teva Original sandals.

About O.A.R.S.

Some 500,000 guests later, O.A.R.S. has been providing whitewater rafting vacations since 1969. Over the decades the company has set the standard in first-class rafting, sea kayaking and multi-sport adventure, with destinations and unparalleled experiences on over 35 rivers and coastlines around the world. O.A.R.S. caters to active travelers of all ages and abilities with more than 75 unique itineraries, including one-day and weekend escapes.

O.A.R.S. Grand Canyon, Inc. is an authorized concessioner of Grand Canyon National Park.

Ellen Barone has been creating words and images for travel and tourism since 1998. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".